Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-03-31
MEMBERS CONFER.
DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS AT THE CAPITOL
LAST HIaHr.
Railroad Commissioner Hot Hominatsd--
Ward for Judgs-fhe Recess
Question. &C.

Ward for yudgs-fhs Recess
Question. &C.
The Democratic caucus was in session
for nearly two hours last night, and du-
ring that time the rotunda Of the Capi-
tol was crowded with friends Of the
half dozen aspirants for the nomination
OF Railroad Commissioner. The cau-
Gus, however, disappointed eli Of their
expectations. No nomination was
made Action was postponed until
future meeting, because the House
Committee has not yet reported on the
resolutions sent to them with reference
to the Commissioner and the Atlantic
and Danville Railroad Company.
There is, too, a disposition on the
part of some to alter the term OF Office
| of the Commissioner, so that he shall
hereafter be elected when all the other
State officers are chosen.
JUDGE OF WASHINGTON.
The caucus nominated for Judge OF
| Washington county the Hon. George
W. Ward, Jr. Judge Ward was sup
ported by Senator Rhea and Delegate
Fulkerson, while Delegate Buchanan
| all of Wsshington--favo the claims
of Mr.. Alfred +. Miles.
Ward was successful by more than
two-thirds vote.
Judge Ward was formerly judge OF
the county. He resigned the place a
good many years ago to accept chal-
lenge. Then he resumed the editorial
management of his paper-the Abing-
don VirginiaR. He was an original
ReSdjuster. but, with Massey, Fulker-
son, Newberry, and Others, refused to
follow the General into the Republican
party, and he rendered the Democracy
very valuable services, indeed, in re-
claiming the State from Malone. About
two years ago Judge Ward was terribly
shot by two men in difficulty growing
out of politics.
Judge Ward is O man OF firmness and
ability, and the caucus was glad to be
able to approve of the choice OF the
people of his county in recalling him
TO the judgeship.
There were one or two other Judges
to be nominated, but action as to them
was deferred.
RECESS.
A resolution was offered, and dis
cussed at some length, proposing that
in the event of the British accepting the
proposed conference the General AS
sembly will take recess from the I'd to
the 2Gth. Another proposition was to
take recess from the 9Th.
The caucus dismissed the subject as
premature. Members We're not in
formed that the Governor had heard
from Mr.. Rouverie, and it was said that
there would be time enough to act when
his answer came.
Some of the members of the Code
committee say that il the General AS
sembly wish to act on the Code at this
session they will be compelled to take
recess, and a recess for about three
or four weeks at least.
The committee are able to get along
with the revision very rapidly, but az
ter the sheets pass from their hands
they have to go to the printer, and
Judges Burks and Staples are carefully
reading the proofs-all of which takes
time--a good deal of time to do it
right.
The caucus adjourned to meet at the
call Of the chairman. 1t is expected
that it will have another session to-
morrow night; but that has not yet
been decided upon. Indeed, it may be
in the event that Mr.. Bouverie is heard
from to-day, the caucus will meet to-
night.
Mr.. Cooper Back I'm Richmond with
n Letter to Governor Lee.
Mr.. James p. Cooper, of the Council
of Foreign Bonholders in London, re-
turned to this country on Saturday and
reached here last night. He bears a
letter to Governor Lee, which he will
present to-day.
Mr.. Cooper said last night that some
of the Council live out of London, and
that he did not suppose Mr.. Bouyerie
could get a meeting together to an
swer Governor Lees telegram until to-
day. To-day he will send a cablegram
to the Council. He was asked last
night "if he thought that after he sent
that cablegram q commission would be
appointed?" He laughed AMI init
mated that he did not know exactly
what message he would send.
Mr.. Cooper said that, speaking for
himself, he did not believe that the
conference would accomplish anything
if the Riddleberger bill was to be the
basis of settlement proposed by the
| State. He thinks the Council ought to
be permitted to examine the books and
accounts of the State, with the view OF
ascertaining exactly what her assets and
expenses are. He thought that itwould
have been more equitable if the State
had offered to leave the matter to the
investigation of distinguished men from
other States men like Senator Butler,
of South Carolina. for instance, said
he. If the Council send commission
here they will be men of the highest
prominence in England, especially in
financial circles.
MT. IOOptI hshSu IIicdStntly ldSb
night after the champerty indictments.
When he went away from here some
steps were being taken which seemed
to indicate that he Gas well as Mr..
RoyalD would be prosecuted. Since
then, however, Mr.. Royal has been
prosecuted and convicted, but has been
liberated from prison by Judge Bond
though Judge Bond has not, as far as
known, written out his promised opin-
ion giving his decision and views of the
case.
Mr.. Cooper is at the Exchange Hotel
Not Heard From.
At IL o'clock last night Governor Lee
said to q Dispatch reporter that he had
not yet heard from Mr.. Bouverie, but
that he expected an answer to-day.
Massey and stuart.
II the House resolution passes both
bodies the Debt Commission will be en-
larged from eight members to ten. Mr..
= l. L.. A.